October in Qatar typically means cooler weather and more opportunities to spend time outside. There’s also a lot to see indoors. Here’s a partial list of what’s on this month. What would you add?
- QPW-Qatar Pro Wrestling, Oct. 3 to Oct. 5, Hyatt Plaza tent, 8pm. Doors open at 6pm for this event, which features Bobby Lashley, Carlito, Big V, Alofa, Matt Cross, Johnny Moss, Shehab Al Mossa, Rene Dupre, and others who are competing for the QPW belt. Tickets are now on sale at Virgin Megastores and range from QR100 to QR750 (VIP). Free admission for children under the age of two.
- Alessandro Safina, Oct. 8, Qatar National Convention Center, 8:30pm. Door open at 7pm for this famous Italian romantic pop opera singer, who intends to woo audience members with passionate and soulful pieces previously performed around the world. Tickets are on sale at Virgin Megastores and cost QR250, QR390, QR550 and QR790.
- Korean Cultural Week, Katara Cultural Village, Oct. 8 to Oct. 19, 8am to 11pm. To get a glimpse in Korean culture, check out this calendar of films, art exhibitions and traditional music and dance performances, which will take place at the Drama Theater and Building 19.
- Concert by Zade Dirani, Oct. 10, Al Rayyan Theatre, 5pm to 9pm. This Jordanian American composer and “piano progeny” is known for his genre-blending songs inspired by Arabic, Latin, pop and classical music. He has previously performed for Queen Elizabeth, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets to his concert are on sale at Fifty One East and Al Rayyan for QR100 (student) to QR250.
- Damien Hirst exhibition, Oct. 10 to Jan. 22, 2014, Qatar Museums Authority’s Al Riwaq exhibition space. This controversial British artist will unveil “Relics,” his largest exhibition ever and first Middle East display at past of the Qatar-UK year of culture 2013. The display is free and open to the public.
- Logos Hope, floating book fair, Oct. 10 to 20, Doha Port, Berth #8, 2pm to 10pm. This boat returns to Qatar with some 5,000 book titles ranging from fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, children’s books, and more. In addition to book browsing, visitors can tour the “experience deck,” learn more about the boat and its mission, and eat at the cafe. There is an entrance fee of QR2 (free admission for children 16 years and younger), and visitors can access it via shuttle. There will be a Ladies Morning on Oct. 16 from 9am until 12pm, and the fair will reopen to the public in the afternoon.
- Russell Peters, Oct. 20, Sheraton Doha Ballroom. This globally renowned Canadian comedian will make his Qatar debut this month, sharing humor that highlights racial, ethnic, class and cultural stereotypes. Tickets range from QR250 to QR550 and can be bought at the Sheraton Doha. The show is for those who are 21 years and older, and Qatari IDs or passports are required for entry.
- Noddy in Toyland, Oct. 24 to 26, Al Rayyan Theatre. Characters from a popular children’s television show that has been on the air in various iterations since the 1950s will perform in Qatar soon. The star of the show is Noddy, who will save the day from two naughty Goblins who try to spoil all the fun. Tickets are on sale at Virgin Megastore and cost QR100, QR150, QR225 and QR350 (VIP). Children under two are admitted for free.
- Bob Sinclair, Oct. 31, Grand Hyatt Doha, 6pm to 2am. This French record producer and DJ, credited with “putting the groove back on the dance of floor,” is returning to Qatar. Tickets are on sale at Virgin Megastore and cost QR250 and QR450 (VIP).
What are your plans this month?
Credit: Photos by QPW, Yvette Wohn, and Noddy in Toyland.